UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones entered a plea of not guilty for two misdemeanor charges in connection with a March drug test at his New Mexico residence. Jones, alongside his attorney, appeared at a virtual hearing where the pleas were submitted. An Albuquerque judge granted the request for Jones to remain free while awaiting trial on charges of assault and interference with communication related to the testing incident.
Jones has expressed his determination to contest the allegations, labeling them as baseless. In response to the accusations, he stated on social media that he was caught off guard by the unprofessional conduct of one of the testers and admitted to expressing frustration with expletives but denied engaging in any threatening behavior or assault.
Known as a prominent MMA fighter, Jones claimed the heavyweight title over a year ago by defeating Ciryl Gane in the first round. Prior to that, Jones had a successful career as a light heavyweight, winning 14 title fights. He had faced suspension in 2016 for a failed drug test and had a victory in 2017 overturned due to another positive drug test, although he argued that under revised standards implemented in 2019 by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, his tests would have been considered negative.
The charges against Jones stem from a report filed by a woman who worked for Drug Free Sport International, responsible for conducting tests for professional athletes. The woman alleged that Jones threatened her, grabbed her phone, and used profane language during the drug testing process at his home. According to a criminal complaint, Jones was initially cooperative but grew agitated during the encounter.
Jones explained to the police that he mistook the woman’s phone for his own and apologized for his use of profanity towards her and her colleague at the conclusion of the test. Jones also released footage from a home security camera showing the woman giving him a high-five before departing, indicating that neither party seemed distressed during the interaction.
